Siliguri, 22nd November: Potato prices have surged, putting financial pressure on the common people. With Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee already addressing the issue, Siliguri MLA Shankar Ghosh took steps to assess the situation directly.
On Friday, MLA Shankar Ghosh visited Siliguri’s Bidhan Market to check the potato prices. He interacted with buyers and sellers to understand the situation. After his visit, he remarked on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s recent warning, observing whether the potato prices in the market had decreased. He noted a decline in the number of people purchasing potatoes and onions and pointed out the noticeable absence of state-owned potatoes in the market, raising concerns about their whereabouts.
Market sellers reported that the high price of new potatoes imported from Bhutan is a major factor, with these varieties being sold at ₹70-75 per kilo. Potatoes sourced from Dhupguri are priced at ₹28 per kilo in the wholesale market and sold for ₹35 per kilo in retail.
Meanwhile, buyers pointed out that potato prices are significantly higher compared to last year, making it increasingly difficult for ordinary people to afford essential commodities.